Tikal

This weekend's post is all about Tikal (with LOTS of pictures!). Tikal is to the Mayans what Jerusalem is to Christians (or Mecca is to Muslims). This holy city was built between 900 BC and 900 AD when the civilization suddenly collapsed (and we don't know exactly why). Over time the ruins were covered with soil, plants, and trees. The city was "discovered" in the 1880s and archaeologist began to dig up the ruins so we can see them as they are today. Tikal is on the opposite side of Guatemala, so it was about an 8 hour bus ride. We took an overnight bus each way and spent Saturday all day at Tikal (sleeping on the bus on Friday night and Saturday night). Below are pictures, enjoy! 

The Mayans believed this tree represented the "three worlds" 

The branches represent the heavens, the roots the underworld, and the trunk our world

On the left you can see the part that has not been dug up yet

Josiah and Emma climbing the steps

Some of the ruins stood tall above the  trees

Emma on the ruins

These are related to ant eaters, they came right up to us!

Panoramic view from the top of one of the temples

Josiah and Emma resting after climbing a tall temple

Several ruins rising above the trees

Tyler enjoyed the view

See the pyramid? Its the first that was built

Now it is under the vegetation, waiting to be unearthed

This was the royal palace, see the mask in the center?

Close up of the mask in the center

Temple in the distance

Grand Plaza with several temples, houses, and tombs

This is the tomb of the Chocolate King

Another temple of the masks

Another view of the grand plaza

Us in front of the tomb of the Chocolate King

We got to go inside some of the houses

The kids loved climbing the ruins

View of the temple out of a bedroom window

Us on the small shuttle to/from Tikal

Got to spend the night in semi-beds that reclined on teh bus

Good morning! 

One last panorama view